Alaska lawmaker pushes back on Washington state over Arctic drilling concerns

If officials in Washington state wind up not allowing Royal Dutch Shell to base its Arctic drilling fleet in Seattle over environmental concerns, members of the Alaska Legislature suggest another business decision for its neighbor to the south.

A resolution, from Alaska House Speaker Mike Chenault, a Republican, suggests public officials in Washington consider closing the Boeing production plant if they are truly concerned with carbon dioxide emissions from commercial activity.

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Environmental groups are challenging the Port of Seattle's decision to lease one of its terminals as a home port for an Arctic oil-drilling fleet. The groups say the port broke state law in signing a lease with Foss Maritime Co. Foss' client is Royal Dutch Shell PLC.

The resolution invites Shell to put its home port in Alaska if the Seattle lease is terminated.